Former Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell has claimed it is 'obvious' that Enzo Maresca left his role as Chelsea head coach because he had 'another job lined up'. Maresca's sudden departure from Stamford Bridge was confirmed on New Year's Day, 2026.
Maresca's Abrupt Chelsea Exit
The Italian manager's exit came less than six months after he led Chelsea to victory in the Club World Cup at the end of his first season in charge. During his brief tenure in west London, Maresca also secured the Conference League trophy and had the Blues sitting fifth in the Premier League table when he left.
Despite a promising start to the season, which included a 3-0 Champions League thrashing of Barcelona and an early title challenge, Chelsea's form dipped dramatically in December. The team claimed just six points from six games, slipping 15 points behind league leaders and title favourites Arsenal.
Reports suggest the primary reason for the split was Maresca's increasingly strained relationship with the club's hierarchy. Although Chelsea had planned a season-end review, the decision was made to terminate his contract early, with Liam Rosenior swiftly appointed as his replacement.
Campbell Questions the Motive
Speaking to Sky Bet, Campbell expressed his bewilderment at Maresca's decision to walk away from a project with such potential. 'I just think Enzo Maresca is lined up for another job,' Campbell stated. 'You don't leave that situation unless you're lined up for another job.'
He questioned what could have prompted the exit: 'What could be rubbing him up the wrong way to leave a club like Chelsea with great young players and a club going in the right direction? He's obviously lined up for another job – or potentially another job anyway.'
Maresca has been linked with several high-profile vacancies, including as a potential long-term successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He has also been named as a candidate for the Manchester United job following their dismissal of Ruben Amorim the previous week.
The Rosenior Era Begins
Chelsea moved quickly to install Liam Rosenior, the 41-year-old former Premier League defender, as Maresca's successor. Rosenior was poached from Chelsea's sister club, Strasbourg, where he had impressed in Ligue 1. His only previous managerial experience was at Championship side Hull City.
Rosenior's tenure began with a comfortable 5-1 FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic. However, Campbell, while wishing him well, expressed doubts about the longevity of his appointment.
'It's nice to have Liam Rosenior in there as the new Chelsea manager,' Campbell added. 'That's come from the fact Todd Boehly owns Strasbourg. They've said, "He's done really well – ship him over to Chelsea." So, it's worked out for him.'
'But I don't think they're going to stick with him, he's just going to be there for a little while, for sure. It's great experience... I hope he does well going forward.'
Rosenior's first major test will be a daunting Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday, a fixture that will put his tactical acumen under immediate scrutiny.
